Oral cancer scare

Oyam123

I've been smoking cigars for about 30 years, but more the last 10 years averaging about 3-4 a week. Last week I felt a bump in my upper lip and could see and feel it as well. My first thought was Oral cancer from cigar smoking. I couldn't get into my dentist for an oral exam so I got into my primary care for a look. They said Hummm??? better refer you to oral surgery for a consult and biopsy. This was Thursday and I just got the biopsy done today, so I kind of was freaking out all weekend. Things look OK for now, still need final biopsy report in a few days. I had an Oral mucocele that was removed. Its basically a clogged slivery gland, but they are most common on the lower lip and mine was on my upper lip.

The risk of Oral Cancer for cigar smokers is low, but you never know.

So I would advise all the BOTL & SOTL to have an oral exam at the dentist every six months when we go in for a cleaning. If you feel a bump or see something odd, don't dismiss it; have it checked out. Our life and health are worth more than anything so take care of yourselves .

deadman

Glad it turned out OK for you. 

dirtdude

Quit freaking out Dave, relax and smoke a cigar, cheers.

peter4jc

Let's hope the biopsy comes back negative.

And, thanks for bringing this up.  I think the health consequences of smoking cigars, even low, as you say, are kind of off-limits in our conversations both online and at lounges.

Stubble

Glad it looks good to go, hope it stays that way!

CharlieHeis

Oh sh*t, this is an eye opener. Good luck. Or whatever would sound better than good luck.

NorCalR1

Glad it appears everything is ok! 

Markwell

Good to hear the texts came back negative bud. My great grandfather got oral cancer from smoking a pipe his whole life. Can be scary. 

jw517

Scary stuff. I had a colonoscopy in 2013 and the gastro dr.that did it said I had two pollips but they looked ok so I shouldn't worry. A few days later he calls and tells me I've got colon cancer and I need to find a surgeon. Life.

Oyam123

Finally got the results back and thank God it’s all clear. I’ll just make sure to get an oral exam twice a year. 

cbuck

Good news!

dirtdude

Did they tell you to quit smoking and drinking and coffee and all things evil?

Oyam123

dirtdude said:

Did they tell you to quit smoking and drinking and coffee and all things evil?

Nope, didn’t say a word. Just to have regular oral checkups. The occasional cigar, drink and coffee are essential to living life! 

Albinfk

Glad all is well.

peter4jc

Not to get too personal, but...

http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article204118554.html

Oyam123

peter4jc said:

Not to get too personal, but...

http://www.sacbee.com/news/nation-world/national/article204118554.html

Ha! Happy to have over 30 years of monogamy. 

Hogandoc

I look at this a lot. I’m a dentist. I smoke cigars. 
I only ever found oral cancer once in 20 years, and
I regularly smoked cigars with him (my brother). He did not survive, lost him 3 years ago.
Mucocele is as OP said, from biting a minor salivary gland in cheek or lip. Benign.  Location of a sore is real important. Risk is high if you drink hard liquor or smoke or both at the same time. 
Long term sore on floor of mouth, or side of tongue far back are high risk, you look for bleeding. What’s in common, fluid pools in these 2 areas. Nicotine & Ethanol, and it causes genetic changes to the cells. So, what can we do? Rinse out. After Cigar, after booze. Rinse with peroxide. 
Remove the carcinogens. It’s not fun, but consider the alternatives.

Puff_Dougie

Last time I had an oral exam they thought they found colon cancer. Turns out I was just full of... 

Nevermind.